Zanetti: 'Mazzarri like Cuper'

Javier Zanetti compared Walter Mazzarri to ex-Inter Coach Hector Cuper and will retire next year if he stops being “useful.”

Javier Zanetti compared Walter Mazzarri to ex-Inter Coach Hector Cuper and will retire next year if he stops being “useful.”

The 40-year-old has been out of action since snapping his Achilles tendon in April, but hopes to be back on the pitch by November.

“I am doing everything to get back as soon as possible and be useful for the team and club,” he told Drive Inter, a new web series where the players are interviewed while driving.

“If I am not up to that task, then I will evaluate what to do at the end of the season. This is going to be a balanced campaign, as all the major teams have reinforced, including us. Juventus are the team to beat, but it’ll be a tough battle. We hope to be protagonists and fight it out with everyone.”

The side is still unbeaten in official competition under Mazzarri, earning three wins and a draw with Juventus in which they conceded just one goal.

“Mazzarri really impressed me from the first moment we met. He has clear ideas, is a person who really cares about work and I share that view, as in the end work does pay off.

“He takes care of the details, because that is how you create a winning group. We can do great things working together like this. Mazzarri reminds me of Cuper in the way he really looks after his work.”

Cuper came very close to winning the Scudetto, losing it with a shock 4-2 defeat to Lazio on the final day of the 2001-02 season. He was fired in October 2003.

Zanetti was asked whether he’s targeting a spot for Argentina at the 2014 World Cup, despite the fact he’ll be almost 41 when it comes around.

“I always think about the Seleccion, but there’s still a year to go before the World Cup. Doing well with Inter would help me, but I respect this squad that has already earned qualification.

“The only certain thing is that I will be there in Brazil. I don’t know how or why, but I’ll be there.”